DUNE
House Atreides

The Dune books of Frank Herbert created a complex and rich world of political intrigue and maneuverings. In this first of the prequel trilogy written by Herbert's son and Kevin Anderson, the authors provide some "historical" background just as rich with intrigue. As a narrator, Michael Prichard is detached, without being disengaged. His voices for the primary characters are reflective of their position, power, and personality. He adopts an impervious tone fitting of the emperor's scheming son and devious advisers. Others with more subtle ways of wielding power are suitably subtle in their manner and tone. Prichard adopts a controlled pace that is steady through this long but never dull story. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]